Why Disney Won’t Get What It Needs

So, Disney is on the hunt for a new Chief Executive Officer—no surprise there.

But will they actually find the leader they truly need? Not likely. Here’s why:

1️⃣ A Reputation in Ruins

Disney was once built on the visionary leadership of one man, Walt Disney. Today, however, its reputation feels more like that of a hundred convicts rather than a magical kingdom. It took nearly 20 years to undo the company’s brand under Michael Eisner, and restoring that magic won’t happen overnight. No single individual—not even Mickey Mouse, Goofy, or the entire cast of characters—can fix it alone.

2️⃣ Leadership Focused on Self-Interest

Disney’s recruitment process may attract high-profile candidates, but is that really what the company needs? Another imperial-style CEO could be disastrous. What’s missing isn’t just a strong figurehead, but a leader who understands the shared vision that once made Disney great.

3️⃣ Who Actually Wants the Job?

Companies in crisis rarely realize just how far they’ve fallen until it’s too late—and one of the biggest red flags is their inability to retain top talent. Beyond the obvious next-in-line, who within Disney’s ranks is actually capable of leading the company out of this mess?

The Harsh Reality

While headlines will buzz with speculation, the real story underneath is a cautionary tale. When companies lose their identity, they eventually have to face the consequences. For Disney, that reckoning is happening now.